Fire laboratory: from Empa to VKF ZIP
The operation of the Empa fire laboratory in Dübendorf ZH will be continued without interruption by the recently founded company VKF ZIP AG, as it writes.
Last year, the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers VKF ZIP AG founded as an independent company. Empa's fire laboratory was transferred to VKF ZIP in January 2016. Its previous activities in the field of testing and technical expertise will be continued at the existing location under the new owners in Dübendorf, according to VKF ZIP.
Certification of the products from autumn
The certification body VKF ZIP was recognized in December 2015 by the Swiss accreditation body SAS according to the standard SN EN ISO/IEC 17065 for the scope of SN EN 16034 doors, gates and windows (product standard, performance characteristics), fire and/or smoke protection characteristics. The basis had thus been created for being able to offer the certification service provided for in the standard for manufacturers of fire doors as a Notified during the coexistence phase of EN 16034, which is expected to begin in the fall of 2016.
Therefore, certification of the products by the VKF ZIP as a Notified Body will only be possible from this date. According to the communication, after the expiry of the coexistence period, a manufacturer can only market products that will be covered by a designated harmonized standard in the future with a declaration of performance. The VKF ZIP as the future designated and notified body for SN EN 16034 provides the manufacturer with the necessary service (certification, monitoring of factory production control, testing of products).
The testing operation in the fire laboratory continues without interruption, it is said. The test reports with the accreditation mark will be sent to the customers after the accreditation has been granted by the SAS. The results of the accredited tests are recognized worldwide on the basis of the existing multilateral agreements among the state accreditation bodies, as it is concluded.
